Respiratory Therapist in Maine: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Maine employs 520 respiratory therapists, with a statewide median of $82,470 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Maine licensing picture, and where to train.
What Respiratory therapists Earn in Maine (May 2025)
- Maine median pay
- $82,470 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $61,060
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $86,530
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $98,470
- Employed in Maine
- 520
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $80,450 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for respiratory therapists in major Maine markets:
- Portland
- $86,440 (200 employed)
- Bangor
- $81,020 (70 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Maine
Prices in Maine run about 3% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $82,470 median stretches to roughly $85,021 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Maine (2024–2034)
Maine is projected to grow respiratory therapists employment +19.5%, faster than the +12.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 30 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Maine License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner — regulated by the Maine OPOR — Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners.
- Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program.
- Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam.
- Apply for licensure through the Maine Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners (OPOR); renew with continuing education.
Official requirements: Maine OPOR — Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners →
Training in Maine
Employers expect the RRT credential. Steady hospital demand; CoARC community-college programs keep tuition reasonable.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Maine include:
- Eastern Maine Community College — Associate
- Kennebec Valley Community College — Associate
- Maine College of Health Professions — Associate / Bachelor's
- Northern Maine Community College — Associate
Where Respiratory therapists Work in Maine
Real Maine hospitals that employ respiratory therapists include:
- VA Hosp — Togus
- Mainehealth Maine Medical Center — Portland
- Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center — Bangor
- Mainegeneral Medical Center — Augusta
- Central Maine Medical Center — Lewiston
- St Mary's Regional Medical Center — Lewiston
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want meaningful clinical work with a focused training path.
Think twice if: Emergency settings, hospitals, and vulnerable patients feel too stressful.
Why it's resilient: Respiratory care involves bedside judgment, equipment, urgent patient needs, and licensed clinical responsibility.
First Steps
Compare accredited respiratory care programs and board exam requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do respiratory therapists make in Maine?
The median wage for respiratory therapists in Maine is $82,470 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $61,060, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $98,470. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Respiratory Therapist in Maine?
Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner, overseen by the Maine OPOR — Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners. Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program.
Is being a Respiratory Therapist a good career in Maine?
Respiratory care involves bedside judgment, equipment, urgent patient needs, and licensed clinical responsibility.
Which Maine metros pay respiratory therapists the most?
Among Maine metro areas, Portland leads at $86,440, followed by Bangor ($81,020). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Respiratory Therapist in Maine?
Real Maine options include Eastern Maine Community College, Kennebec Valley Community College, Maine College of Health Professions. Most respiratory therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Respiratory Therapist a growing career in Maine?
Maine projects respiratory therapists employment to change +19.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 30 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Maine statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1126. Licensing summary compiled from the Maine OPOR — Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Maine wages · Maine licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.